Danny Henley: Celebrating another important birthday

Friday

Oct 31, 2008 at 12:01 AMOct 31, 2008 at 2:20 AM

On Sunday, Oct. 26, many members of my family gathered to celebrate the “birth” of my youngest daughter, Anna. No it wasn’t her biological birthday, which is in May. On that Sunday afternoon Anna was baptized, which marked her “spiritual birth” as she confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior.

Danny Henley

Jimmie Oldaker. Of all the notable people who have passed away in recent months, there is something about the life of this homeless man who was calling Hannibal, Mo., home at the time of his death that continues to stick with me.

To be brutally honest, I didn’t know Mr. Oldaker, who passed away of natural causes in downtown Hannibal on Sept. 23 at the age of 48.

“Backpack Jim,” as he was called by the handful of people who knew him best, had been given a helping hand by the Bridge Street Ministry in Hannibal. Roy Owens, who operates the ministry, had provided a shelter for Mr. Oldaker. While not plush, it was more than he would likely have had otherwise.

Owens gave Mr. Oldaker more than a roof over his head. Once, after learning it was Oldaker’s birthday, Owens got him a cake and threw together a small, impromptu party. Backpack Jim told Owens that he couldn’t remember the last time anyone had celebrated his birthday.

That story touched me. While many will complain about having a fuss made over them when it is their birthday, how empty would a person’s life seem if no one acknowledged the day they came into this world?

On Sunday, Oct. 26, many members of my family gathered to celebrate the “birth” of my youngest daughter, Anna. No it wasn’t her biological birthday, which is in May. On that Sunday afternoon Anna was baptized, which marked her “spiritual birth” as she confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior.

The day came with pretty much all the trappings of a regular birthday celebration - lots of family members were present, there was plenty of good things to eat, gifts were given, pictures were taken. There also was a noticeable air of hopefulness for this young woman’s life and a sense of anticipation over what God has in store for her now.

Anna was baptized at Immanuel Baptist Church, where she has been a part of that congregation’s Awana program for years. In addition to all the family members in attendance, a number of our family’s friends gave up a portion of their Sunday afternoon to be in attendance. Even more people might have come had we trumpeted our family’s good news from one of Hannibal’s highest hills.

As I looked at pictures taken during the baptism service by my daughter, Amber, and son, Jacob, it was hard not to notice that Anna was beaming. Was it because of all the people who were present? Or was it a smile of relief that this significant decision was no longer weighing on her? I don’t know. All I know is that her joy was radiant.

Following the baptism, I found myself expressing appreciation to an assortment of people for their positive influence on my daughter. Most seemed perplexed that instead of accepting their congratulations I was offering thanks to them for the impact they have had on my daughter.

I recognize that unlike the creation of a biological baby, which by God’s intent is normally a two-person operation, the birth of a spiritual child frequently involves the contributions of many people. Some will have a daily impact. The influence of others will only be felt on Wednesdays and/or Sundays. Then there are those whose positive light is seen during chance encounters, which while brief, are nonetheless influential.

As my spiritual babe matures, I don’t know if she’ll remember Oct. 26 is her spiritual birthday. My prayer is not that Anna remembers the day of her spiritual birth, but what her birth represents and lives her life accordingly.